Empty Bowls Club Event was Full of Enthusiasm

There was lots of enthusiasm in evidence last night at the Empty Bowls Club fundraiser event held at the Franklin High School cafeteria to benefit the Food Pantry returned after a Covid hiatus. Scores of students attended, most seeming to be affiliated with the Empty Bowls Club that organized and sponsored the event – others in special roles like providing jazz music for attendees. And, of course, there were plenty of local residents and families.

Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director, Tina Powderly, said it was ‘great to be back.’ For her part, Empty Bowls club president Millie Chalk, said she believed about 150 advance tickets had been sold and she estimated total ticket sales for the evening would be in the range of 350.

Powderly thanked the food donors (two kinds of soup plus rolls were served), namely Big Y, Whole Foods, and 3 Restaurant. She also acknowledged the hard work of students and the quality of the items created for the event's silent auction.

Norfolk State Rep. Shawn Dooley came with a friend, John Cox, owner of the Raillery Restaurant in Franklin and the Gavel in Wrentham. Dooley said he was impressed with the outpouring of support for the event and he spent time admiring the pottery work of the students who created bowls for the event and chatting with attendees.

Later in the evening, Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo was scheduled to speak

 State Rep. Shawn Dooley and Raillery owner John Cox at Empty Bowls.